Erin Banco

Erin is an international affairs writer for the International Business Times, specializing in all things Middle East. She came to IBT after having worked as a freelancer overseas. She received her bachelor's degree in Arabic and journalism from The University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2011 and her master's from Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs where she concentrated in human rights and international media.

Originally from Boston, Erin moved to Cairo, Egypt where she reported from countries such as Turkey, Jordan, Syria and Israel. After that, she moved back home to attend graduate school and spend time with family. She currently lives in Istanbul and is an avid yogi and runner. She tries to make it back to the ice rink from time to time (she spent 14 years as a competitive figure skater).